Thread by @AvivaKlompas

Tensions are running high in Jerusalem and #SheikhJarrah is trending. Be sure to read up before accepting oversimplified explanations. Thread.👇

Sheikh Jarrah is an east Jerusalem neighborhood making headlines. There is a long-running legal case involving the homes of 4 Palestinian families on land claimed by Jewish Israelis, set to be heard by Israel’s Supreme Court on Monday.

A small Jewish community lived in the area before 1948, when East Jerusalem fell under Jordanian control. It's significance for Jews is that it is home to a shrine revered as the final resting place of Shimon Hatzadik, a 3rd century BCE high priest.

The 4 Palestinian families in Sheikh Jarrah may be removed from their homes if the Israeli Supreme Court turns down their appeal against a pending eviction. Several attempts at mediation long-since broke down.

Tensions in Jerusalem, specifically in the Old City, boiled over last month after police prevented Palestinians from congregating outside Damascus Gate at the start of Ramadan. Arabs called this inflammatory and Israeli authorities canceled the policy.

A group of Palestinians filmed videos in which they attacked ultra-Orthodox pedestrians. In response, the Jewish supremacist Lehava group marched through Jerusalem’s calling for “Death to Arabs.” This was broadly denounced by Israelis.

Tensions and violence continued to rise. This past week, an Israeli teen was gunned down as he stood at a bus terminal and 3 days later a Palestinian teen was shot by Israeli soldiers as they searched for the shooter.

The coming week will see many emotionally charged dates, including Jerusalem Day (when Israelis celebrate the reunification of Jerusalem), Eid al Fitr (when Muslims mark the end of Ramadan) & Nakba Day (when Palestinians mark the ‘tragedy’ in 1948 that led to Israel’s creation).

Yesterday, violence spread to the Temple Mount and al-Aqsa Mosque when hundreds of Palestinian rioters threw rocks and other objects at Israeli policemen. Tonight, Palestinians stood in front of Al Aqsa chanting, “bomb bomb Tel Aviv”.

The violence has now caught the attention of the United Nations, the European Union, US lawmakers, and even some celebrities. Unsurprisingly, most have made reflexive criticisms of Israel. Don’t accept simple slogans and sentiments. Get informed before deciding.